Weekend news round-up

A quick glance at some of the technology stories breaking in the weekend papers.

The IDA’s five-year plan

IDA Ireland is set to reveal a five-year plan that, if it receives board approval, will generate 5,000 new jobs in 2010 alone, according to a report in the Sunday Independent. About 2,000 of these jobs are expected to be created by the end of March. Among those to be targeted by the IDA under the plan are companies that specialise in environmental services and goods, clean tech, innovation, and research and development. Hewlett-Packard is understood to be working with the IDA on a couple of projects that could be very significant if they come to fruition.

We’re gonna mess your Facebook up

Colin Gunn, jailed for conspiracy to murder, sent threatening messages to 565 "friends" from maximum security prison, according to a report in The Sunday Times. One of Britain’s most notorious gangsters used Facebook to threaten his enemies while serving a 35-year sentence in a maximum security prison, it emerged today. Gunn, who helped plot the murder of two grandparents, sent messages to 565 "friends" after being transferred to a prison where he claimed officials had a relaxed attitude to social networking. "I will be home one day and I can’t wait to look into certain people’s eyes and see the fear of me being there," Gunn wrote in one message, according to the Sunday Times.

Putting vroom vroom into the e-car boom

Considering Toyota’s embarrassing recall over accelerator problems, it seems like a questionable time to be plotting an IPO. But, it seems that Tesla, the makers of the stylish zero-emission Tesla Roadster, has filed for a US$100-million initial public offering, according to the Wall Street Journal over the weekend.

More IP tax reliefs on the way?

The government is set to extend tax reliefs for intellectual property as it seeks to increase Ireland’s attractiveness to multinational companies, according to the Sunday Times. The reliefs were introduced last year and allow eligible companies to drop their effective tax rate below the 12.5pc headline rate. The range of intangible assets qualifying for relief includes patents, brands, trademarks, copyrights and publishing rights. The tax credits are in the form of capital allowances and are allowed against trading income. To claim the tax relief companies must "trade" with the new intangible assets which should ensure further development. The existing legislation applies to expenditure incurred after 7 May of last year.